What's on
Get Online Week
20 - 26 October 2025
We're proud to be supporting Get Online Week, the UK's largest digital inclusion campaign. We've got a programme of events across the week to help you make the most out of being online.
HerStory presents:
Journeys That Shape Us
Saturday 25 October 2025
1.00 - 4.00pm
Idea Store Bow
Celebrate powerful stories of migration, hear from inspirational speakers, enjoy fun and games, savour cultural foods, and explore our vibrant exhibition.
Come and honour the past, embrace the present, and inspire the future!
Let’s Discuss Death
Thursday, October 30
Bethnal Green Library
Experience a collaboration between Bethnal Green Library and Let’s Discuss Death. This is a free community event designed to open up conversations about death, dying, and grief.
The afternoon will feature a series of engaging and powerful events, including a documentary screening, a talk from a death doula, and intimate roundtable discussions with a panel of professionals.
Half-Term Activities
Monday 27 - Friday 31 October
This half-term, join us at Idea Store for fun activities!
We're celebrating Green Libraries week and have arts and crafts, LEGO building, and storytelling and much more. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the week with us!
Wartime in
Bethnal Green:
Local History Sources for
Tracing the impact of the
First and Second World Wars
Monday 10 November
11.00am - 12 noon
TALK: Week of Remembrance
Join us to explore how war shaped the lives and landscapes of Bethnal Green and wider Tower Hamlets.
Discover archives, images, and maps from WWI (1914–1918) and WWII (1939–1945) Learn how to access local history sources at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives
Speaker: Richard Wiltshire Archives Manager, Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives
Conversation Club
Is English your second language and you want to practise speaking it with others? Then join our weekly Conversation Club.
Mondays, 11am - 12noon
Idea Store Watney Market
Tuesdays, 11am - 12noon
Idea Store Chrisp Street
Thusdays, 12 - 1pm
Idea Store Bow
Book Groups
Talk about what you’re reading and make friends with other readers.
First Wednesday of the Month, 7pm
Idea Store Bow
Second Thursday of the Month, 6.30pm
Cubitt Town Library
Third Thursday of the Month, 6.30pm
Idea Store Canary Wharf
Last Thursday of the Month, 6.30
Idea Store Watney Market
Play Reading Group
Join our group reading a different play aloud together.
Third Wednesday of the month, 6.30pm
Idea Store Bow
Prime Time
Are you over 50 and want to chat with other people your age? Then join our weekly Prime Time session to enjoy socialising, as well as talks, films, games and other events.
These sessions are run at
Mondays 10 - 11.45am
Idea Store Whitechapel
Tuesdays, 10 - 11.45am
Idea Store Bow
Thursdays, 10.15am - 11.45pm
Idea Store Watney Market
Thursdays, 11.15am - 12.45pm
Cubit Town Library
Get Online - Go Digital
Looking to level up your comuter skills? Feeling lost with your device? Confused about the digital world? Join our free weekly drop-in sessions toask questions and learn at your own pace.
Get friendly advice with:
- job searching
- online services
- money matters
- health information
- using social media
- online shopping
Come along to our weekly workshop and learn at your own pace.
Tuesdays, 2.15 - 3.45pm
Idea Store Chrisp Street
Wednesdays, 2.15 - 3.45pm
Idea Store Watney Market
(temporarily moved from Idea Store Whitechapel)
Thursdays, 2.15 - 3.45pm
Idea Store Bow
Green Week
27 October – 7 November
Take Part. Take Action. Celebrate Sustainability.
Tower Hamlets Green Week is back!
Across two inspiring weeks, join us for workshops, talks, and community events designed to spark climate action and celebrate sustainable living.
Writeidea Festival 2025
The 2025 Festival will take place at The Tower Hamlets Town Hall, Whitechapel, 21-23 November.
We're still confirming all the speakers and we'll let you know which fabulous authors and writers will be appearing soon - watch this space!
Our previous festivals have been fantastic and you can get a flavour of what to expect..
Book Break Online
Would you like to share stories and poetry to lift the mood? Possibly take a turn of reading out loud? Join our weekly online Book Break group.
Please email atalanta.kernick
@towerhamlets.gov.uk who will send you an invite to the next session.
Tuesdays, 2 - 3pm
Refugee Group
Everyone's welcome at this friendly weekly social group. Meet people, make friends, and share stories and advice - with the occasional guest speaker. PLUS free tea and coffee.
Wednesdays 11am - 12pm
Bethnal Green Library
Visit the Tower of London for £1
If you are a resident of Tower Hamlets you can visit the Tower of London for £1!
Activities for Children and Families
Looking for fun and engaging activities for your little ones? Check out our exciting lineup of events and resources that cater to the whole family.
From storytelling and arts and crafts to homework help and more, we've got something for everyone!
